The Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee of Nipissing, (DVCCC) acknowledges the North Bay Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), located at CFB North Bay, as the first employer to complete the Safety Net Program. Safety Net, launched by the DVCCC in May of this year is a program to ensure that the workplace is a safe and supportive environment where employees can learn about domestic violence and how they can seek assistance. Alison Gendron, Chair of the DVCCC and Kathleen Jodouin, Education Sub-Committee Chair, presented the North Bay MFRC with their Safe Zone sticker, recognizing their centre as a Safe Zone for people impacted by domestic violence.
The local MFRC participated in the “Train the Trainer” Safety Net workshop this past spring. Tessa Clermont, Executive Director of the North Bay MFRC and Mark Hurley, the MFRC’s certified social worker and Family Liaison Officer took the Safety Net training back to their team and trained all staff on what roles they can play in looking out for people who may be impacted by domestic violence.
CFB North Bay, which has a close relationship with the MFRC, also took an early leadership role in the Safety Net Program. Colonel Henrik N. Smith, Wing and CADS Commander of 22 Wing North Bay participated in the Public Service Announcement which aired locally and can be seen on the Safety Net website, raising awareness about the program.
Domestic Violence is not confined to individual households but impacts every place in our community from places of worship, entertainment facilities, schools and the workplace. 24% of workplace violence stems from personal relationships. North Bay City Police responded to 1256 domestic related calls in 2015. Domestic Violence is, and continues to be, present in our community. Leadership demonstrated by the North Bay MFRC and CFB North Bay in creating a safe zone for people impacted by domestic violence is applauded by the DVCCC who encourages other organizations to visit safetynetnipissing.ca to follow suit.
